In German
unten
Meaning: down
Formal or informal? “Unten” means down or below, for a place. For the direction “downwards”, use “nach unten”. In everyday speech “runter” is also common.
Example sentences
DieTassestehtuntenimSchrank.
The cup is down in the cupboard.
Gehbittenachunten.
Please go down.
ErwohntuntenimHaus.
He lives on the ground floor.
Grammar note
“Unten” is an adverb of place: “unten im Schrank”. For direction, use “nach unten”, as in “Geh nach unten”. The opposite is “oben”.
Common mistake
Use “unten” for the place where something is, but “nach unten” for movement. Saying “Geh unten” is wrong; say “Geh nach unten”.
Quick check
Which German word means “down” as a place, the opposite of “oben”?
More words on this topic
Keep learning German
Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
What's the opposite of “unten”?
“Oben”, meaning up or above.
How do you say “downstairs” in German?
“Unten” or “im Erdgeschoss”, depending on the context.